While celebrating the Supreme Court same-sex ruling, Josh hides his deep aversion to marriage. He lets his lover Adam believe they’ll eventually marry. But when his wedding-planner mother pushes him too hard to take that step, Josh declares in anger he won’t ever marry Adam.<br><br>Adam overhears and flees. Crushed at having been led on, he takes refuge at his old hangout. There he runs into his ex-boyfriend, who tries to take advantage of Adam’s vulnerability. Things go from bad to miserable, leaving Adam struggling to get through the worst night of his life.<br><br>Frantically searching for Adam, Josh is forced to accept he could lose him forever -- a prospect he just can’t face. Can he overcome his fears and propose marriage to save their love? That might work, but only if he can somehow convince Adam to trust him again.

I Do, I Don't

The house was empty. No music. No television. No sound at all. Maybe Josh was next door. He liked to visit their ninety-year-old neighbor, Mrs. Chin. She had a thousand stories of what life had been like during World War II. For a history buff like Josh, the woman was pure gold.


Thankful for the temporary reprieve, Adam relaxed and felt his stomach rumble. He’d avoided food all day, but after the ginger tea, he felt he could risk it. Trying to think of something simple and bland, he opened the fridge.


Centered on the top shelf was a take-out bag from Farrelli’s with a yellow sticky note attached. It read, “Trust me to provide for you.” Adam couldn’t help but smile. Once again, Josh had been looking out for him.


Chapter 18